Forte dei Marmi, “Fort of the marbles”

In Italian Forte dei Marmi means “Fort of the marbles”. The town takes its name from the fortress that rises in the middle of the main square, built under Grand Duke Peter Leopold, who was to become Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor, in 1788.

The fortress was built to defend the coast from outer attacks, but in the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century it became the place where the marble quarried from the Alpi Apuane (they are the same mountains of the famous marble of Carrara) was stocked before being sent to the pier for shipping.

Sea and culture are the two characteristics of Forte dei Marmi. in addition to the beauty of its beaches and its center, Forte dei Marmi is famous also for its festivals (of Sant’Ermete and San Francesco) and for its markets (antique fair, weekly market in Marconi square, and at Victoria Apuana).

The sea is not the only attraction in Forte dei Marmi, as also its surand ancient traditions. Here you can undertake interesting excursions to discover the Apuan Alps and the entire Province of Lucca.

The center of town is rich in shops and high fashion boutiques with designer’s clothes and it is a must for visitors to go out shopping also late in the evening during summer time.